Toyota Gazoo Racing and Lexus have revealed a trio of high-performance vehicles, including a new V-8 powered sports car, a GT3-spec racer, and an all-electric revival of the iconic Lexus LFA. The announcement, made in Japan, signals a commitment to pushing boundaries in both combustion and electric vehicle technology.
GR GT and GR GT3: Return of the Rear-Wheel Drive V-8
Toyota is developing the GR GT road car and GR GT3 race car with a focus on aerodynamics and a launch target of around 2027. Both models will feature a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by a hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine paired with a single electric motor. This combination is projected to deliver at least 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Key Specs:
- Engine: Hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 + electric motor
- Horsepower: 641+
- Torque: 627 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with limited-slip differential
Toyota emphasizes that the GR GT has been engineered to comply with emissions regulations while maintaining a distinctive racing sound, intended to convey thermal energy changes and synchronize with vehicle state. The GR GT3, designed for both professional and amateur drivers, aims for competitive performance with user-friendly handling.
Lexus LFA: An All-Electric Revival
Lexus has revived the LFA nameplate with a sleek, two-seater battery-electric concept first seen at Monterey Car Week and the Japan Mobility Show. While Lexus remains tight-lipped about production timelines, the extensive exposure suggests a potential market release within the next one to two years.
The electric LFA is positioned as a dramatic statement, demonstrating that high-performance EVs don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality. Lexus aims for an immersive driving experience, pursuing a “fusion between aerodynamic performance and sculptural beauty.” The vehicle’s dimensions are 184.6 inches long, 80.3 inches wide, and 47 inches tall, with a 107.3-inch wheelbase.
Why This Matters: The LFA’s return signals Lexus’s aggressive entry into the high-end electric sports car segment. With competitors like Porsche and Chevrolet offering high-performance options, Lexus is aiming for a unique identity through design and driving experience.
Performance and Positioning
Toyota and Lexus are targeting a high-performance segment where price tags often exceed six figures. The GR GT aims to compete with the Porsche 911 GT3 and Chevrolet Corvette Z06, though it is larger and heavier than the 911 GT3, tipping the scales at 3,858 pounds or lower.
Toyota claims a top speed of 199 mph or greater for the GR GT, exceeding the 911 GT3’s 184 mph. The chassis development focused on linear response and controllability, ensuring performance across both everyday driving and spirited track use.
Legacy and Future Vision
The new GR and LFA models draw inspiration from Toyota’s historic 2000GT, emphasizing the automaker’s continuous pursuit of automotive passion and style. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, known internally as “Master Driver Morizo,” has pushed for this direction, urging the development teams to “go all out” and “push even further.”
The unveiling of these models represents Toyota’s “Shikinen Sengu”—a Japanese ritual of rebuilding Shinto shrines every few decades—symbolizing the automaker’s commitment to training the next generation of automotive artisans.
Conclusion: Toyota and Lexus are making bold moves in the high-performance market with the GR GT, GR GT3, and electric LFA. These vehicles combine cutting-edge technology with a legacy of automotive excellence, setting a new standard for performance, innovation, and driving experience.
